Home help for older people in the Cotswolds

There are a lot of people in the Cotswolds living alone in houses they have had for thirty or forty years. The house is fine. It is the small stuff that is creeping up on them: a dripping tap, a gutter full of leaves, a smoke alarm on its last legs. That is where I come in.

Villages I cover

I'm based in Cirencester and cover the villages around it, including South Cerney, Siddington, Kemble, Ampney Crucis, Bibury, Chedworth, Northleach, Fairford, Lechlade and Tetbury. If you're further out, such as Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold, call and ask.

Mileage

Travel is included within five miles of Cirencester. Further out, I charge 45p for each mile beyond the first five, there and back. I'll tell you the total before you commit, so there's nothing unexpected on the invoice. For the far side of the Cotswolds, booking a half day often makes more sense so the journey is worth it.

What I cover

Changing bulbs, batteries and smoke alarms. Minor repairs that have been sitting there for months. Moving furniture. Fitting rails and handles. Clearing out a garage or a spare room. Taking things to the tip. Shelves and picture hooks. Light garden tidying between the visits of a proper gardener.

If there is time, I will walk into the village for shopping.

Staying independent at home

Most people I visit want to stay put. The jobs are small individually, but over a year they add up to the difference between a house that feels looked after and one where the small jobs pile up. That's the gap I fill.

What to expect

I arrive, check the list over a cup of tea, and get going. I work steadily, explain what I'm doing, and flag anything that needs a proper tradesman. I'm DBS checked and happy to show ID at the door. I'm not a carer, so I don't do personal care or medication.

Pricing

The first hour is £55 and includes getting to you if you're within five miles of Cirencester. After that it's £35 an hour, charged in half-hours. Got a longer list? A half day (4 hours) is £125 and a full day (8 hours) is £230.

Get in touch

Call me on 07803 176290 for the quickest answer. Email and the website form work just as well. Family members are welcome to book and pay on behalf of a parent.